Coal India Chairman B. Sairam Reviews Relief and Safety Measures at Kenduadih Gas-Affected Area

Mr. B. Sairam, the newly appointed Chairman of Coal India Limited (CIL), on Wednesday visited the gas-affected Kenduadih area in Dhanbad to review relief, rehabilitation and safety measures being undertaken by Bharat Coking Coal Limited (BCCL) in coordination with the district administration and scientific institutions.

During his on-site inspection, Mr. Sairam assessed the current situation, progress of gas control measures, and arrangements made for the safety and rehabilitation of affected families. He interacted with local residents, technical experts and officials, and provided necessary guidance to further strengthen ongoing efforts.

CMD, BCCL, Manoj Kumar Agarwal; Director (HR), Murali Krishna Ramaiah; senior officers and staff of BCCL; and experts from IIT-ISM, SIMFER, DGMS and other institutions were present during the visit.

Arriving in Dhanbad from Ranchi by road, the CIL Chairman first visited the Kenduadih gas-affected site, where he reviewed relief and rehabilitation works being carried out jointly by BCCL and the district administration. He observed scientific monitoring processes, technical interventions, borewell monitoring, nitrogen flushing and other gas control measures. He also interacted with scientists present at the site, including SIMFER scientist Santosh Kumar Roy.

Mr. Sairam later inspected the relief camp and medical centre established by BCCL near Hindi Bhavan for gas-affected families. He interacted with residents to understand their needs and experiences, reviewed arrangements related to food, healthcare and temporary housing, and appreciated the medical and humanitarian assistance initiatives undertaken by the management.

Subsequently, the Chairman visited the Directorate General of Mines Safety (DGMS) office, where he met senior officials to discuss mine safety preparedness, surveillance systems, gas monitoring mechanisms, emergency response protocols and implementation of safety measures. He lauded the technical guidance and support provided by DGMS to BCCL and the local administration, noting that it has helped further strengthen safety standards.

Mr. Sairam also called on Dhanbad Deputy Commissioner Aditya Ranjan at the Collectorate and held detailed discussions on ongoing relief operations, rehabilitation efforts and long-term restoration plans for the gas-affected area. Emphasis was laid on coordinated action among BCCL, the district administration and scientific institutions to ensure timely and effective relief.

Stating that sustained efforts are underway at all levels to restore normalcy in Kenduadih, Mr. Sairam said that multiple scientific and technical measures, including borehole-based interventions, are being implemented under expert guidance. He expressed confidence that, with coordinated efforts, the situation would stabilise soon.

Senior officials from BCCL’s Coal Bhawan Headquarters and Regional Office were also present during the inspection programme.